“Do YOU have a hat? Something fuzzy, warm, and red, to keep the snowflakes off your head? Or maybe floppy-brimmed and blue, when summer sun shines down on you? Do YOU have a hat?” Next the author and illustrator introduce all sorts of famous people in history who wore memorable hats-some more famous than others. Did you know that Francisco de Goya wore a hat with candles on the brim? (Do you know who Francisco de Goya is? I readily admit I did not. I had to Google him!)

Link: Wild Geese Guides This site provides a great lesson plan to accompany the story + curricular links!

Why I like this book: I like this book for several reasons. First of all, I like hats. Secondly, Eileen Spinelli is one of THE most amazing authors for young children. I love the rhythm and rhyme in the story and the bright whimsical illustrations. Children are introduced to great historical figures like Carmen Miranda and Walt Whitman within a comprehensible context. My favorite line is, “Isabelle of Bavaria had a hat, a cone-shaped hat so very high it poked a gargoyle in the eye.” This book is hysterical and educational!

22 responses to “Do YOU Have a Hat?”

This sounds like a very fun book, Kelly! What an entertaining and accessible way to introduce kids to historical figures! I will definitely have to find it and read it! But first, I will have to google Francisco because, no, I don’t know who that is either 🙂

I know who Francisco de Goya is (art school), but I had no idea he wore candles on his hat! It doesn’t sound like a good idea with all of the turpentine hanging around the oil paints he would have used. An excellent book recommendation!